american kestrel

Thân thiện

An American kestrel perches on a fence post in a sunny field.

Definition

Noun: 1. A small North American falcon: The American kestrel is a small, colorful bird of prey (falcon) commonly found across North America. It is known for its distinctive plumage and hovering hunting technique.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We spotted an American kestrel perched on the telephone wire.
  • The American kestrel is the smallest and most common falcon in North America.

Advanced Usage

• As a subject in ornithology and conservation: The term is used in scientific and environmental contexts.
  • The study focused on the declining population of the American kestrel in the Midwest.

Variants and Related Words

• Falco sparverius: The scientific (Latin) name for the American kestrel.
• Sparrow hawk: A former common name for the American kestrel, though this can cause confusion with other bird species and is now less preferred.

Synonyms

• Kestrel: While "kestrel" can refer to other species globally, in a North American context it is often synonymous with the American kestrel.

Related Phrases

• A pair of kestrels: Refers to two of these birds, often a mating pair.
  • A pair of kestrels has nested in the old barn for years.

Học thuật

Noun

1. small North American falcon

Từ đồng nghĩa

• sparrow hawk
• American kestrel
• kestrel
• Falco sparverius